Jennifer Nettles to Sing National Anthem at 2019 Kentucky Derby

Tune in just before the horses hit the track.

Jennifer Nettles to Sing National Anthem at 2019 Kentucky Derby
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Singer/actress Jennifer Nettles attends the Build Brunch at Build Studio on March 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/Getty Images)

Sugarland star and solo artist Jennifer Nettles will sing on a different kind of track this weekend. She’ll be on hand Saturday (May 4th) at the 2019 Kentucky Derby to deliver the National Anthem.

Set to air live on NBC from the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack just outside Louisville, Kentucky, Nettles’ National Anthem performance will be given in front of about 160,000 fans in their finest, fanciest suits and dresses – and their oh-so-wild hats. Singing from the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle just after 5 p.m. ET, Nettles will let her acclaimed vocals soar just before the thoroughbreds reach the starting line.

“Jennifer Nettles is a country music and vocal powerhouse,” says President of Churchill Downs Racetrack Kevin Flanery. “We are excited and honored for her to perform our national anthem for the millions of viewers and fans around the world who tune in on Derby day.”

Nettles won’t be the first country star to deliver the derby’s National Anthem, following artists like Lady Antebellum, Jo Dee Messina, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Lee Ann Rimes in a tradition that goes back to 2009.

In other news, Nettles recently released her empowering solo single, “I Can Do Hard Things,” and has a short series of concert dates scheduled in Ohio, New York and Indiana this June. Her Sugarland duo with Kristian Bush will be on the road all summer long, with North American dates in support of their 2018 Bigger album scheduled through early August.